Update HTC One with AOSP based Android 4.4 KitKat Custom ROM Firmware

Do you want the best for your HTC One? Are you excited when thinking on the upcoming Android 4.4 KitKat firmware that will soon be OTA released for your HTC One? Well, if you just can’t wait and want to test an AOSP based Android 4.4 KitKat software on your phone ahead of the official roll out, you can choose to use this dedicated step by step guide. During the lines from below we will be checking on how to easily update your HTC One to custom Android 4.4 by installing an AOSP powered KitKat custom ROM firmware.

The ROM has been developed and offered by those of rootzwiki, so we have to thanks them for the present step by step guide. Anyway, before starting the proper tutorial you should know that this bersion of AOSP Android 4.4 KitKat that can be installed on the HTC One comes with several bugs. We are dealing with the first release of the mentioned software, so the problems will soon be resolved by the devs. Anyhow, don’t worry as you can safely apply the OS for daily use – basically those who have already flashed this AOSP KitKat ROM had stated that there are problems with IR Sensor, which is not working while the rest of the features are smoothly running on the HTC One.

So, by using this guide you will be able to update your HTC One with the latest features, apps and capabilities that are included on the stock Android 4.4 KitKat OS. In this way you will be able to test the new platform, play with its capabilities and all just for enjoying everything that’s new on Google’s OS. Don’t worry as when the OTA release will be rolled out you will be able to safely install the same on your phone. A manual update will have to be followed though, as on devices that are installed with custom ROMs the OTA updates can’t be applied.

Therefore, this guide will teach you how to flash an unofficial firmware based on AOSP Android 4.4 KitKat system, an firmware which is compatible with the HTC One (this is coming shortly after we have showed you how to update the HTC One X+ to custom Android 4.4 OS). Since we are not dealing with an official release of the Android platform, for being able to flash the AOSP ROM you will first have to root your HTC One and install a custom recovery image into its system: preferable CWM recovery, or TWRP recovery.

When gaining root access, the warranty will get void, so try not to mess things up; just use a suitable tutorial and everything will be fine. The warranty can be restored but for doing that you will have to either downgrade your smartphone to stock Android Jelly Bean software, or to wait for the official Android 4.4 KitKat firmware to be pushed out.

Root access must be granted because the custom ROM will have to access some internal files and programs that are in-built in the system. As you can already tell, this access can be provided only by rooting your HTC One. On the other hand the stock recovery must be replaced with a custom one because the flashing process is requiring for the same. Basically, CWM recovery or any other custom recover is providing an intuitive interface from which you can “communicate” with your phone’s internal system.

After completing these procedures you have to backup the HTC One data. As you will see below, when learning how to update to Android 4.4 KitKat AOSP custom ROM a wipe will have to be applied. So, by making the wipe, you will lose everything that’s saved on the internal storage of your handset. I mean contacts, messages, call logs, internet settings, market apps, personal info, accounts and data and so on. That’s why you need to use suitable backup and restore apps for saving all that’s relevant for you. It is also indicated to make a Nandroid backup for saving the current ROM – in case you will want the OS that is currently running on your HTC One you will be able to do so by using the recovery menu (I will show you how below).

In order to succeed with the present tutorial, a computer must be used while your phone will have to be connected with the same. Because of that, on your handset from patch “menu -> settings -> developer options” you need to enable the USB debugging option. Also, on your computer there shouldn’t be any security tool installed; if different before going any further temporarily deactivate the antivirus programs. The update process will take a while to complete, so the best will be to charge your phone before starting the steps from below – do that especially if on the battery status you notice less than 60% power left.

Finally, ensure to flash the Android 4.4 KitKat AOSP custom ROM by using this step by step guide only on the HTC One. This tutorial is compatible only with the same, which means that if you complete the procedure for a similar or different Android based device, you can end up in bricking your handset.

How to Update HTC One with AOSP based Android 4.4 KitKat Custom ROM Firmware

Go to this page and on your computer download the KitKat firmware file.

Google apps are not included on the update package so you will have to flash the same separately on your HTC One.

When completed, from recovery return to main menu and select “reboot system now”.

Good job, you have learned how to update your HTC One to Android 4.4 KitKat firmware. Do remember that this software is based on AOSP, so you are running on a custom ROM. Also, the update isn’t stable yet so there might be some bugs or issues. If you don’t like the new system, then if you have made a Nandroid backup, you can choose to restore the old firmware – just reboot in recovery and select “backup / restore”. So, that was all for today; if you have something to share with us, just use the comments area from below.